Here are a selection of tips and ideas for making the most of an interactive whiteboard...

Revealing Vocabulary:
To revise important vocabulary, I prepare a Smart Notebook file with a few words on a page. Each word is then completely covered with coloured blobs, stripes or even pictures so that children cannot read it. During the lesson, I then use the rubber tool to slowly reveal parts of the word. As the word is being revealed, children are then challenged to write the word (if they can guess what it is), and its meaning on their own mini-whiteboards.

Countdown:
This is a wonderful (free) piece of software (which can be downloaded here), which is perfect for the interactive whiteboard. It is based on the Channel 4 TV show and children in my class have really enjoyed using it - they simply use the chosen numbers to find the target number within a given time limit.

Isn't it frustrating when you have just delivered a hugely dynamic introduction to your lesson and the children set off to work and then the first question as they open their excerise books is "What's the date?" and now all you can do is swap from the stimulating, thought provoking brainstorming ideas to a new window and display the date.

Well, Fresher School's Date Window is always on top! You can download the file here http://www.fresherschools.com/site/drupal-5.1/?q=node/19 (and save the .exe file)

Tom Barrett is building a Google Presentation containing lots of Interactive Whiteboard Tips. Why not take a look at add one of your own?

Most data projectors have a ‘Still’ or ‘Freeze’ button. This button is very handy because it lets you freeze the projected display. However, you are still able to use the regular display on your computer (i.e. the laptop / monitor screen).

This enables you to prepare things in advance, or check something for reference without distracting the children and still showing them only what you want them to see.

Find the Still / Freeze button on your projector - it’s very useful!

A few useful sites:

Whiteboard Room - Offers lots of free downloadable whiteboard resources, covering different subjects / topics

The Whiteboard Blog - Danny Nicholson's excellent blog for Interactive Whiteboard users. Has tips, links and resources to use.

Do you have any other useful tips / ideas for using an interactive whiteboard effectively?
If so, send them to mark@teachingideas.co.uk and I will add them to this page, or add them to the comments area below.

Rate / Review this idea: